Celebrating International Literacy Day with Pope Francis
Every year, UNESCO commemorates International Literacy Day to highlight the importance of literacy on a global scale. This year, in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, the event is taking place in Yaoundé under the theme “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Literacy for Unity in Diversity
In a message for this special day, Pope Francis emphasized the role of literacy in bringing people together and fostering mutual understanding. He praised UNESCO’s choice of theme, which celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity, and highlighted the power of reading in promoting unity among individuals.
Promoting Multilingualism for Personal Development
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis stressed the importance of speaking to individuals in their own language to truly connect with them. He encouraged the development of multilingual skills not just for literacy, but also for building bridges between communities and nurturing future leaders.
The Pope emphasized the mental benefits of multilingualism, such as increased flexibility, openness, and ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. He urged everyone to embrace different languages as a way to appreciate diverse cultures and promote unity.
In his message, Pope Francis called on leaders, educators, and the public to work towards creating a more educated and compassionate society. He echoed Saint John Paul II’s call to overcome fear and conflict through dialogue and communication, emphasizing the importance of modern communication tools in fostering collaboration and understanding.
